The Chicago Cubs continued their late-season surge by completing a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 5-1 victory at Wrigley Field. The win solidified the Cubs’ position in the NL Wild Card race, where they are now just a game behind the second spot.

Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman was dominant, allowing just one run over seven innings while striking out seven. Stroman, who has been a key part of the Cubs’ rotation all season, induced ground balls at will and kept the Pirates’ hitters off balance.

Offensively, the Cubs were led by Cody Bellinger, who hit his 28th home run of the season in the fourth inning, giving Chicago a lead they would not relinquish. The Cubs added insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings, with Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki each driving in a run.

Cubs manager David Ross praised his team’s focus during the sweep. “We’re playing our best baseball at the right time,” Ross said. “Every game matters now, and the guys are locked in.”

The Pirates, who are well out of playoff contention, have struggled mightily since the All-Star break and were no match for the surging Cubs. Pittsburgh’s offense managed just three hits in the finale, continuing a trend of offensive woes that has plagued the team all season.

Chicago Cubs Marcus Stroman Youth Limited White Home #0 Jersey